The Green Bay Packers have reinforced their quarterback position for Week 2 after starter Jordan Love was injured.
With Love sidelined, the Packers are committed to backup Malik Willis for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. To strengthen their quarterback depth, they made a roster adjustment on Saturday, promoting 2023 fifth-round pick Sean Clifford from the practice squad to serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Willis.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Love has been downgraded to doubtful due to a knee injury, which he sustained in last week’s game. Clifford will back up Willis for Sunday’s match against the Colts.
Willis, who joined the Packers through a trade in late August, has limited experience with both the Packers’ system and as an NFL quarterback overall. He has only started three games in his career and has played in 12 total games, accumulating 350 passing yards, 3 interceptions, 144 rushing yards, and 1 touchdown. Clifford, on the other hand, has seen even less action, with just two games played and no passes attempted.
The Packers are taking a calculated risk with Willis and Clifford as they face the Colts in their first home game of the season. The team hopes Love will recover from his MCL sprain in the next week or two, as placing him on injured reserve would require him to miss at least four games. This situation presents a potential challenge for the Packers, who must balance short-term performance with long-term considerations in a competitive NFC North division. They have yet to explore veteran quarterback options or trades, which could impact their decision-making moving forward.